Funny thing is, this map was the first project I made with the One Step Crackle. So I actually learned a thing or two from this project.

1) The thicker the application, the larger the cracks2) Cover all areas or you’ll get sections without any crackle which can look strange after the stain is applied

You may notice #2 above in some of these shots.

Just an FYI: Both Plaid and DecoArt carry similar products. Plaid makes Mod Podge and DecoArt makes a decoupage medium simply called Decoupage. Both companies make a one step crackle product, though I’ve been using DecoArt’s. I only used Plaid’s one step crackle once and it didn’t work for me. I haven’t tried it again, so it could have been the way I applied it. I will try it again some day, but for now, I know that DecoArt’s works, and works well, so I am more than happy to recommend it to you.

Overall though I love how the map turned out! Here’s a quick before and after. I found the map at a flea market for $5.00, but I’ve seen similar maps online for around $15.00.

I started by painting a piece of plywood brown, then I painted the edges, about 4-inches inward from the edges, which an antique white. I only painted the edges because the map will be covering the center. I sanded the edges to reveal all the edges and corner and to reveal some of the brown beneath the antique white, to give it a distressed look.

I wanted the map to look old. I decided to tear all of the edges, I didn’t want any straight sides at all. I was concerned about having issues decoupaging the entire piece without bubbles, so I decided to tear it into sections. I numbered the section on the back of the map pieces and corresponded them to sections on the board, just to keep it all straight. Once each piece was decoupaged onto the board, I added a coat over the top of everything.

Once it was dry, I was ready to add the One Step Crackle. I used a large decoupaging brush to apply it. When you apply this product you don’t want to overwork it. Apply once, maybe smooth it quickly with another stroke and that’s it. No more. The more you work it, the less chance of the crackle working. let the crackle dry according to the bottle directions. Next you’ll apply a stain. I used a brown paint mixed with antiquing gel. Apply and wipe back. This will leave the stain in the cracks.

Hi , I am curious if you can get the same results with using a heavy flat piece of cardboard as a backing instead of plywood . It would of course be lighter and perhaps a lot cheaper ? I was also thinking of adding a frame. You have great ideas and I love your how to posts. Keep up the good work !

Hi jess :) Yes, I’m sure you could use the cardboard and it would be cheaper, though plywood is VERY inexpensive. About $4 for a piece this size. The only problem I could foresee with the cardboard would be how smooth, or not smooth, it is. You may be able to see the corrugated layers beneath the surface, if that makes sense?

I love the distress and crackle look. It makes it look vintage. I was wanting to do this for a few posters my daughter wants of Marilyn Monroe. They are so expensive at the mall, and I am sure this is a lot cheaper. Is there any way I could reach you incase a craft emergency arises. I’m new at this arts and crafts stuff. Although I always wished I could try , and I think now is a great time to start. Again thank you your ideas are great!

Hi – thanks for sharing. I’m interested in doing a clear crackle finish over canvas prints that I purchased. I’ve tried a few other products on a cheap piece of canvas art, with no success. Not sure why, maybe the canvas screen prints are too porous? Anyway, I’m curious if this one step crackle will work.

You mentioned that you applied a coat of something over the map before you applied the one step crackle? Or did I read that wrong?

Hi Joe. That’s a good question. I’ve only ever used it after decoupaging something. I found this on the company’s website: “Apply over a painted or sealed surface. Raw, unfinished surfaces or surfaces that are not completely sealed absorb part of the product resulting in little or no crackle.” Here’s the full information http://decoart.com/cgi-bin/Products.cgi?One_Step_Crackle

[…] you’re like me and you love map projects, you might like my Road Map Birdhouses or my Distressed Crackled Vintage Map. Looking for more coaster ideas? You might like these Stenciled CD Coasters, made from recycled […]

find your creativity!

Amanda Formaro is the creative mind behind hundreds of kid's crafts and adult home decor projects, all of which she shares on this blog and elsewhere throughout the online and print world. Learn more here...

My Books!

Here’s the New Stuff

From Other Blogs

Connect

Amanda is a well-known craft expert and craft book author. She loves to create on a daily basis. Find out more here..

All images and text copyright Amanda Formaro 2014. For the purposes of featuring a post from Crafts by Amanda, you may use one photo that must be credited and linked back to the appropriate post on this blog. Please do NOT copy and paste anything from this website as it constitutes a violation of the AF/AC copyright.